Alumna Rediscovers Passion for Career Path in New Role at MCC

From Puerto Rico and now living in Lowell, Cristina Rivera enjoyed studying film production at Middlesex Community College. Although some challenges kept her from continuing in the industry after graduating, Rivera worked in a restaurant where she was promoted to manager. Now, she has returned to both the communication field and MCC as the new Media Production Assistant.

“I rediscovered myself and gained the strength to be ready to change my career path,” Rivera said. “My education from MCC assisted with providing not only the experience, but the confidence when taking on any jobs in the field. I genuinely love MCC.”

To get back into the communications field, Rivera started volunteering at the Lowell TeleMedia Center on video projects before working as an event videographer for a nonprofit organization. She also had the opportunity to work as a judge for a film festival and took on freelance photography jobs.

In her new role at Middlesex, Rivera works with the media team to record, edit and create graphics, and train interns for school events. She also participated in a school trip to the Mass Production Coalition’s Camera Operator Bootcamp at Red Sky Studio.

"As a Media Production Assistant, I am continuously learning new equipment, production skills, and the confidence to guide interns to success,” Rivera said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to follow one of my passions & be a part of an amazing team!"

Taking classes and working at MCC during her time as a student prepared Rivera to make this career transition. As she learned the fundamentals of film production and photography, she used equipment in real-life situations inside and outside of the college community. She also experienced working as part of a team on various projects.

For Rivera, MCC’s “faculty are what really made the experience worthwhile.” This includes Dr. Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Chair of Communication, Art and Design. Rivera names Bauer as having impacted her time the most at the college. Now they have a chance to worl together in a professional setting.

Referred to by Bauer as a “standout student,” Rivera was also the cinematographer for the college’s 2017 entry into the Boston Independent Film Festival.

“I was a little intimidated and nervous at first, but it was an honor to represent MCC in a room full of strong universities,” Rivera said. “I was so proud of myself and my team. It was one of my biggest accomplishments, which made it the happiest day of my life!”

Now as a staff member at MCC, Rivera sees an opportunity to dive back into the field she started as a student at the college. In addition to working, she is looking forward to continuing her education to earn a bachelor’s degree in communication. Middlesex is the starting point for both pursuits.

“MCC was life-changing – being a student here gave me direction and a purpose during the roughest time in my life,” she said. “I am so grateful to work for MCC and I am looking forward to growing here!”